'I sold my late dad's diamond ring to get to Villa's Europa League final'

'I sold my late dad's diamond ring to get to Villa's Europa League final'15 minutes agoShareSaveAdd as preferred on GoogleMegan JonesandSteve Hermon,West MidlandsBBCScott Barnes is a lifelong Villa fan, but after securing the chance to buy a Europa League final ticket for 20 May, he feared he would not have the money to goLifelong Aston Villa supporter Scott Barnes never thought he would sell his late dad's diamond ring - but when the Villans reached their first European final since 1982 he had an emotional decision to make.Barnes took the drastic step to sell the beloved ring after he had success in the ballot to buy a ticket on Tuesday, something he thought would "never ever ever" happen.Speaking on BBC Radio WM's football phone-in though, the season ticket holder admitted his first thought was that he couldn't afford the flight to Istanbul to see Villa face Freiburg in the Europa League Final, in a week's time. He said that it was only when his partner Claire reminded him about the ring that a plan was hatched, with Barnes saying he spent his last £20 on fuel to get to Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter. The gold ring, set with nine diamonds was bought by his father John Barnes, in 1988."Everyone loved my dad, the whole family we loved him, he was so generous and used to pay for everything, we never went without," his son remembers.Scott Barnes is a season ticket holder and has been a fan since the 1970s"I still have my dad's wedding ring, and my mum's wedding ring that I will keep forever." Selling the ring was not straightforward though, and Scott had to visit a number of jewellery shops to seal the deal.'I burst into tears' But then one came up trumps, and he sold the ring, along with a watch, and was paid £550."When the jeweller gave me the money, I burst into tears in the shop," Barnes said. He was very close to his father, but his emotions were heightened fu...